Bayley opens up about the influence of WWE veteran Mickie James.

What’s the story?

Former WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bayley recently spoke with Hype Magazine on WWE veteran Mickie James being a locker room leader and competing in first-time matches in the WWE, with the likes of Sasha Banks.

In case you didn’t know…

Bayley is a former WWE Raw Women’s Champion and a former NXT Women’s Champion, who made her WWE debut in 2013 for the company’s developmental brand of NXT. During the course of her run in NXT, Bayley had one of the most iconic rivalries with 'The Boss' Sasha Banks, as the two ladies competed in the first-ever women's 30-minute Iron Man match in WWE history.

Bayley captured her first ever main roster title on the 13th of February on an episode of Monday Night Raw when the fun-loving hugger defeated Charlotte Flair to win the Raw Women’s Championship for the first time in her career.

The heart of the matter

While speaking with Hype Magazine, Bayley spoke about a host of topics and below are a few highlights from the interview:

Being in a number of first-time matches (Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and Ironman):

Bayley stated that it is an absolutely insane feeling to compete in first-time matches in WWE history, especially being a part of the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble match that took place earlier this year.

According to Bayley, being a part of the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble match and to feel the energy of something so historic is definitely a dream come true for her. In addition, Bayley also claimed that the first ever Women’s Elimination Chamber match was a crazy experience for her because as a fan, those were the matches she always wanted to be a part of.

“The Elimination Chamber was a crazy experience because those were the matches that I always wanted to be a part of as a fan. Even though matches like TLC, Cage, a ladder were scary situations, they were just things I wanted to participate in as a performer. Being in the chamber match, I felt very comfortable, and I hope I can participate again next year."

Mickie James’ locker room leadership:

Bayley stated that having a veteran like Mickie James in the locker room is definitely a fantastic opportunity for her because during her days as a fan the former Raw Women’s Champion is someone who grew up watching the likes of Mickie James and Trish Stratus.

“They both had a great storyline, and I learned a lot from their contributions to the company from a character standpoint and techniques inside of the ring. Since she came over to Raw, it challenges us to approach things differently. I wanted to pick her brain since she has seen the evolution of the business with her OVW background."

What’s next?

As of right now, it seems like Bayley will be a part of the first-ever WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal at WrestleMania 34, which takes place later next month, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Author’s take

Mickie James’ influence in the WWE has certainly been vital for the entire women’s division in the WWE and the former five-time Women’s Champion has definitely paid her dues in the WWE.